It’s been a year since I started living in the castle, and a few weeks ago, I turned 11 years old. Actually, I didn’t know when my birthday was because I had never been told by my previous family. Despite that, I now know when my birthday is for a reason. About half a year ago, when Lia asked me when my birthday was, I couldn’t answer. Then Ars, who happened to be passing by, told me in the most ordinary way.

When I asked how he knew, Ars replied, “Because Lark-kun was originally a nobleman’s child. We can tell right away because there is a birth certificate.”

“Ah, I see…”

And another surprising thing was that my birthday was apparently the same day as my father’s.

When I told Guldo about it, he joked, “It might be fate,” and laughed.

Now, a year went by, and my father and I still live in the castle. We were now taking a bath after dinner. My previous family, who abandoned me, probably never dreamed that I would be living in a castle as a hero’s child… As I soaked in the tub, thinking about such things, my father spoke up, “However, Lark really likes baths, don’t you? Lately, you’ve been in the bath longer than I have.”

“Well, I do like them. It’s the best place to relax after a hard day. And for the past year, I’ve been training myself to enjoy baths more, so now I can stay in for hours.”

“Don’t push yourself too hard. It’s dangerous. Just enjoy it in moderation.”

After that, we relaxed for a while longer, and then Ars came into the bathhouse.

“Hey, Guldo. Is Lark-kun still in there?”

“Yeah, he is. I’m just accompanying him who loves talking a bath so much. Anyway, are you done with work, Ars?”

“Yeah, somehow. Recently, the workload has been reduced thanks to Lark-kun, but being a king’s job is still tough. I want Riolas to take over my place as soon as possible…” Ars spoke as he washed his body and got into the bathtub.

‘As Ars said, I have been helping him recently. Although I say “helping,” what I do is simple calculations and organizing documents. I am compensated with a salary as a private tutor, so I am very grateful.’

Then, I asked my father something that had been bothering me. “By the way, does your house have a bath, Father?”

“Ah, it’s not that spacious like the one in this castle, but we have a decent one.”

“…Then the money I earned doesn’t mean much, does it?”

‘To tell the truth, since I started working as a tutor, my goal was to build a house with a bath using the money I earned. However, I will be living with my father after leaving the castle, so I have no use for the money.’

My father laughed at my words, “Hahaha, well, if you’re an adventurer, you’ll spend money on buying weapons and armor, so it’s not a bad idea to save it for now.”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

At that moment, Ars suddenly interrupted our conversation. “By the way, Lark, are you interested in the academy?”

“That’s sudden. When you say academy…are you talking about the place where Lia-chan and Wallis-kun go to?”

After confirming, Ars nodded. The school in question was “Laktoria Academy” situated right in the capital. It was a place where various children went to learn swordsmanship and magic, almost like schools on earth. Since the academy itself is quite large, it was said that even children from other countries had come to attend the academy. Although I was not entirely disinterested, I felt that there wasn’t much to learn at academy anymore. However, I was slightly curious about how ‘schools’ in a different world worked.

“Well, I am interested, but…”

So, I modestly agreed to which Ars smiled, “Then, how about attending the academy from next year as a transfer student?”

“Hey, Ars. Why are you suddenly bringing this up?” father interrupted Ars’s words. Then, Ars cleared his throat before explaining in detail.

‘Apparently, Lia’s recent improvement in her grades has been recognized and she is expected to be transferred to the highest-ranked class at the start of school next year. However, she seems to be worried if she could keep up with her studies during lessons. So, Ars asked if I could accompany Lia to school, thinking that she would be able to do her best if I were in the same class. While an exam is required for enrollment, he said that I could immediately transfer to the highest ranked class without any problem.’

After thinking for a while, I voiced my concerns, “I don’t mind, but can I, as an adventurer, attend the academy?”

“That’s okay. The academy is not just a place for nobles. There are also commoners, adventurers, and merchants. Of course, you can attend the academy while doing your activities as an adventurer.”

I thought to myself, “I see. If that’s the case, I might as well attend.”

However, my father immediately objected, “But… isn’t it dangerous?” and looked at me worriedly.

For the past year, I had learned that father was caring about me too much. Although he was strict during training sessions, but he acted extremely overprotective at other times. ‘Well, it’s not that I don’t hate being worried about, but I think it’s a bit extreme…’

“Father… I’m thinking of trying attending the academy,” I firmly declared, and although my father’s face still etched with worry, he nodded slowly in the end.

“I see. If Lark has decided, I won’t say anything anymore. But in exchange, I will train you thoroughly so that you can handle dangerous situations. Starting with basic body techniques that you can use even in the city, and practice fighting in narrow spaces…”

Father continued muttering about future’s training regime, but ‘isn’t he getting carried away?’

Afterward, I secretly whispered to Ars, “”If my father goes overboard, please do stop him.”

“Is that even possible~~ (￣┰￣*)?”